Nigerians, Others Escape Death As Delta Air Flying From Lagos To US Catches Fire Mid Air

Nigerians and other nationals on Tuesday night escaped death when an Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America bound Delta Air flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos caught fire mid air.

The flight departed MMIA at about 10:45pm.

The aircraft, with registration number: N858N, which originated as DL 055, made an air return to the airport about one hour after takeoff.

The crew reported that the cockpit indicator showed that one of the two engines of the aircraft had caught fire and needed to make an emergency landing.

It eventually landed at 11:16pm, with the passengers evacuated within 90 seconds through the emergency exits.

Five of the passengers, however, sustained injuries during the evacuation.

Delta Air confirmed the development in a statement.

Its Media Consultant in Nigeria, Top Com, said: “Delta flight 55 from Lagos, Nigeria to Atlanta returned to Lagos International Airport Tuesday after an issue with one of the A330-200’s two engines. The flight landed safely and customers exited the aircraft on the runway via emergency slides. Airport fire authorities met the aircraft upon arrival. Delta’s customers were bussed back to the terminal.

“Delta is aware of five customers reporting non-critical injuries as a result of the evacuation.

“Delta teams have provided overnight hotel accommodations to customers and will rebook customers on an alternate Delta aircraft Wednesday afternoon. The safety of Delta’s customers and crew members is always our top priority.”